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Integrated amp reccomendations

Hey all,
I want to upgrade my amplifier. I would like to stay in the integrated solid state world. I don't want the hassle or worrying about tubes, and a preamp-amp combo is probably out of my price range. My system is a Cambridge Audio Azur 640C CD player, an NAD C370 integrated amp, Sonus Faber Concerto Home speakers, and a REL Stadium III subwoofer. I use Cardas Cross Speaker cables, and Monster M550 Interconnects. OH! I also have a Musical FIdelity X10-V3 tube buffer between the CD player and integrated. I would like to buy a(new or used) integrated that will take a little of the hardness/edginess away from the sound. Give it a more fluid, life-like quality. It has to have enough power to run the Concerto's in a medium to large sized room with vaulted ceilings. The bass is handled by the REL, but I still want that midbass presence out of the Concertos. Lastly, I don't want to break the bank. I listen to everything from hard rock/metal to classical and acoustic music. Progressive rock/metal is my favorite, but of course, being progressive, it has a little of everything in it.

I know this is a tall order, but I need help.
My NAD always received good write-ups. Should I stick with it, or is there something reasonable in price that would be a real improvement?

Thanks in advance!
phoenix469
phoenix469 OP
44 posts
 
I was thinking Musical Fielity A5 integrated. Is the A308 that different?

Maybe I'll stick with the NAD. People seem to think to get a substantial performance incrase, I would have to spend a lot more.
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
I haven't heard the A5, so I can't comment. The nice thing about the A5 is you would have better resale if you didn't like it than you would with the 308.
happynick's avatar
happynick
58 posts
 
Check out Nuforce they have an intigrated for $1200,50 watts ,100stepped atenuator,it's digital and veery very fast ,
mezzrow
114 posts
 
If $950/obo is reasonable, I would consider this:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1169315934
facten
2,878 posts
 
there's a Portal Panche for sale on the gon $950 - have one it is a fine amp , very musical from top to bottom , neutral, 100 wpc; can directly say that it is a better amp than the NAD 370 - have one in another system and like it as well but it isn't as refined as the Panache - a few of the Panache's have come up on the gon in the last week or so and haven't lasted more than a day or two - very good value for the money
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